Jpc To Begin Study Of Route 222 From Dorneyville To Berks County

The Joint Planning Commission of Lehigh-Northampton Counties recently began preliminary work on a study of problem areas along Route 222.

The study will focus on the area from Dorneyville west to the Berks County line.

Yesterday, chief planner Glenn M. Taggart said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has committed backing for half of the study project, up to $25,000.

The JPC is now seeking local matching funds to get the study on its feet.

The group has conducted its own review of low-cost improvements along the stretch of Route 222, particularly in the Dorneyville, Wescosville and Trexlertown areas, Taggart said.

That review determined that "basically everything that could be done to relieve congestion was done, was being done or would be done in conjunction with Interstate 78 construction," Taggart explained.

The chief planner said congestion problems in Dorneyville will be alleviated in part by I-78 construction that will widen the roadway east and west of the Route 309 interchange.

He also remained hopeful of a favorable reply from the Federal Highway Administration on the proposed Dorneyville bypass.

The federal administration has not yet rendered a decision on funding for the bypass, despite initial indications a determination would be made by mid- August.

Problems in Wescosville and Trexlertown, however, would not be addressed by a bypass in Dorneyville.

Adding that the comprehensive plans of Upper and Lower Macungie townships support more growth along the Route 222 corridor, Taggart said, "If the area is going to continue to grow, we're going to have to support some big ticket items."

The JPC has had initial contact with officials from both townships and Lehigh County. The county, Taggart said, has indicated it may contribute up to $5,000 for the study.

The townships, he said, have expressed interest in the project but have made no commitments as yet.

A second session with those officials and representatives of major industries in the area, including Air Products & Chemicals, Kraft, Mack Trucks and the Pennsylvania Power & Light Co., has been scheduled at 8 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Upper Macungie Township building.

AT&T has also been invited to attend in light of its recent commitment to build a major complex along Route 222 in Upper Macungie.

The JPC, Taggart said, is looking for suggestions on how to approach the study as well as financial support.

Hopes are, he explained, that a task force made up of the public and private sector can be formed to review proposals.

When and if matching funds are found, a consultant will be hired to review the area and propose relief measures.

Taggart said the JPC hopes to hire a consulting firm by January and that technical studies will be completed six months later.

The Route 222 study proposal was one of three special study applications the JPC approved at its annual meeting in December.

PennDOT has not yet replied to work plans submitted for a study of the industrial parks-airport complex area on Airport Road or for a ride-sharing program alleviate congestion created by construction on Route 22 and I-78.